The 2017 Grand Final will go down as one of the most special in the history of the IDRU no matter who lifts the Buarraneer Cup after Saturday’s game. The Grand Final combatants Avondale and Vikings have proved to be the two most outstanding sides of 2017 and deserve to be in the big game.

Avondale have taken all before them going into Saturday's match having won all nineteen matches they have contested so far this year. Their opponents Vikings have earnt their spot having not lost a match to any other side during the season other than the unbeaten Wombats. The Blueys were the only side to deny Avondale bonus points in their two premiership round matches, both of which went down to the wire with Avondale prevailing by five points on both occasions.

A Grand Final victory for Avondale will complete arguably the most successful season for any team in the history of the IDRU. After eighteen wins during the season proper and a dominant 36 – 20 victory over Vikings in the Major Semi-Final a fortnight ago, the Wombats will start firm favourites to complete the perfect season of twenty straight wins and take the 2017 Builders Club Premiership.

Vikings Rugby Club is celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the club in 2017 and have qualified for all three Grand Finals. They are shooting for their fourteenth First Grade Premiership, the most of any club in the Illawarra. Having completed fifteen wins and a draw for 2017, with three losses to Avondale, the Blueys go into the Grand Final after a remarkable 32 - 29 win over Uni in last week’s Final.

Another special feature of this year’s GF is the fact that the match will be Refereed by the youngest Referee ever to control an IDRU First Grade Grand Final. Ethan McIntosh at the ripe old age of 25, will enter the record books as the youngest ever Grand Final whistle blower when he takes the field on Saturday.

Whichever way Saturday’s game goes it will be followed by a celebration of a special achievement for either of the clubs involved. Good luck to all clubs, players and officials involved in what is sure to be an enjoyable finale to another Rugby season.